What You Put in is What You Get Out

Have you ever noticed after watching a half hour full of bleak and depressing news that you feel a bit more negative, pessimistic and/or discouraged?Just as important as what you put into your body is what you put into your mind.When you feed yourself a diet full of sugary, fatty and processed foods, you’re going to feel sluggish, sick and unhealthy.Your mind is the same way- if you fill your head with negative conversations, self-talk and information, you’re going to feel pessimistic and unhappy- and you begin to create that reality.

A steady diet of “you can’t do it” and “you’re a failure” will not nourish you to help achieve your goals and live your best life.So, how do you break the negativity habit and get into a positive and productive frame of mind so that you can become your best self and live the life of your dreams?Here are a few ways to help break the cycle of negativity:

Surround Yourself with Positive People– I talked in an earlier post about the importance of limiting your time with and exposure to negative people, but this truism cannot be overstated.In addition, limit your participation in negative conversations and, instead, try to shift it to a more positive topic.Negative people will encourage you to join in on the pity party, but complaining and negativity don’t get you any closer to your goals.Disregard the naysayers who tell you all the reasons why you can’t do something, your goals are too lofty, you’re unrealistic- and instead surround yourself with people who believe in your dreams and support your growth and success.

Stock Up on Positive Messages and Media– Now, I’m not saying that everyone should go out and buy a Successories poster and hang it on their wall, but it’s important to have inspirational and motivational reminders to help you push through the hard times.Whether it’s via Facebook, Pinterest or even a good old-fashioned cork board or PostIt note on your bathroom mirror or fridge, find positive messages and visuals that fill you with joy and inspiration and look to them when you need a little encouragement.Search online for inspirational stories of people who have beaten even the most difficult of odds to become successful, happy, and fulfilled and be motivated by their journeys.

Change Your Inner Voice– Do you find your inner voice on a constant negativity loop?It’s time to stop listening to your inner gremlin’s voice of pessimism- it has nothing good to say and only serves to hold you back from achieving your dreams.Begin by simply noticing and acknowledging your negative self-talk, and then start challenging those limiting beliefs holding you back and shifting your inner dialogue to become more positive, encouraging, and supportive.Talk to yourself as you would to your best friend- you’d never tell your best friend they are a failure or loser, so why would you tell yourself that?

Fake It Till You Make It- I’m gonna be honest- there will be days where you’ll dwell on your shortcomings and feel like you’ll never succeed.Sometimes the easiest way out of a funk like that is to “fake it ‘til you make it.”Even if things aren’t going your way, begin to think positive and that you will have success in whatever goal you’re currently trying to attain.It may seem silly at first, but watch what happens when you begin to believe in those encouraging words- amazing things can happen!

In accounting and in a computer course, I learned GIGO (garbage in garbage out). If you put in a bunch of bad numbers (garbage), the results of your report will be garbage. Recently, I just learned to practice all 4 of the tips in this blog. I am a witness that these practices will give you a paradigm shift. I am in grind mode to improve my self-development. I can't wait to one day say "Funny you should ask" when someone ask me about my business.

In accounting and in a computer course, I learned GIGO (garbage in garbage out). If you put in a bunch of bad numbers (garbage), the results of your report will be garbage. Recently, I just learned to practice all 4 of the tips in this blog. I am a witness that these practices will give you a paradigm shift. I am in grind mode to improve my self-development. I can't wait to one day say "Funny you should ask" when someone ask me about my business.